High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas issued a statement on 30 June 2026, the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, condemning the continued use of torture worldwide and reaffirming the EU's commitment to combat it. The statement highlights that torture remains a persistent problem, often used to silence political dissent and suppress fundamental freedoms, despite being absolutely prohibited under international law.
The statement outlines the EU's existing measures against torture, including sanctions targeting individuals and entities involved in torture or ill-treatment, and a ban on the trade in tools of torture — a first globally. Kallas also emphasized the EU's cooperation with the 'United Against Torture Consortium', a network of over 200 civil society organizations from more than 100 countries that supports judicial processes, reparations, and rehabilitation for survivors.
Kallas stressed that accountability and reparations are essential to restore dignity and agency for victims, and highlighted the 'Charter of Rights of Victims and Survivors of Torture and other ill-treatment' as a landmark survivor-centered document. She called on all states to ratify and fully implement the UN Convention against Torture and its Optional Protocol, which provides a framework for independent monitoring of detention facilities.
The statement reiterates the EU's position that torture can never be justified and that every government has a responsibility to support victims and end the practice. No new policy measures or sanctions were announced in the statement.